News Letter #9

This time last year the summer newsletter had been out for some time and we were well into solar observing. This year has, in my experience, been the cloudiest for a long time. Clear evenings or clear blue skies for observations have been rare indeed but this week did see a first sunspot observation by the group of year 8 scholars from Cheam prep school. Only some bright predicted passes of the ISS have cheered avid followers of Whats Up on the website. However, the Archaeoastronomy lecture tour went well; thank you to all those who came to Malmesbury, Devizes, Collingbourne or Oxford, a total audience of some 320.

The entire first year group at the College have now been up to the Dome and numbers with names down for Astronomy GCSE next September remain at an all time high. From next year we will be one of the largest centres in the country for the GCSE behind Royal Observatory Greenwich.

Amazingly, despite cloud, all 70 or so present for the partial solar eclipse in March were able to see the edge of the Moon through the 10 inch, the first time Ive seen an eclipse in detail, and it was interesting to note that the rough edge of the Moon was indeed visible. The Public open afternoon for solar viewing was not so lucky and only a handful came to inspect the clouds. The transit of Io was disappointing and the low altitude of Jupiter, combined with slight haze and light pollution, rendered the moon and its shadow nearly invisible. A few of us were able to see the larger fragments of the broken Comet 73P, but they were hardly more than faint fuzzy patches.

Next years Friends Diary is taking shape, as is a new venture, an observers list of must see objects, the Blackett Observational List which will be provided to Friends rejoining in September. The idea will be launched at the mid Summer School lecture,

Thursday 27th July at 5.30pm in Bradleian Theatre. Wonders in the sky- An observing list for all,

and will be supported by background information in the Friends area of the website www.blackettobservatory.org.

The traffic light on the website is now working, but as stated before has sadly been predominantly Red. To recap, Red means the Observatory is closed, Orange that it is open and operating for prearranged groups or internally for the College and Green that it is open and Friends are welcome (Public events are advertised separately). All comments most welcome and as ever do ring 07792 311 371 if you wish to check my availability. Any queries or suggestions please email me at ceb@marlboroughcollege.org.

Lets hope for a little more Sun.

Charlie